Politics 12 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Amuria MP Margaret Etilu Declares Freedom After Weeks of Alleged Unlawful Detention
Amuria District Woman MP Margaret Etilu has announced her release after an alleged period of unlawful detention lasting over two weeks, expressing gratitude to those who advocated for her freedom. Her disappearance had raised significant concerns among fellow legislators and the public. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/missing-amuria-mp-etilu-says-she-is-free-after-weeks-of-unlawful-detention--5494522
Newly elected Amuria District Woman Member of Parliament, Margaret Etilu, has broken her silence following her release after more than two weeks in what she termed “unlawful detention.” Etilu, a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), confirmed her freedom via a statement on her official X account on Thursday evening.
“I thank all Ugandans, the church, human rights activists, members of parliament, and my electorates for standing with me and praying during my unlawful detention. I am now free, and may God abundantly bless you all,” she wrote. Her statement has brought relief to her family, supporters, and constituents in Amuria, who had organized prayer gatherings and public appeals for her release.
Etilu was reportedly taken into custody by security operatives on May 23 from the residence of former Speaker Anita Annet Among. While official reasons for her detention have not been disclosed, sources suggest it may be connected to ongoing security investigations involving political associates of Ms. Among.
Her absence sparked a debate in Parliament, with opposition lawmakers demanding answers from the government. The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, questioned the legality of her detention, noting it appeared to exceed the constitutional 48-hour limit without court appearance. He also raised concerns about other reported disappearances.
Vice President Major (Rtd) Jessica Alupo had previously assured Parliament that Etilu was safe and would be released soon, appealing for patience as security agencies handled the case. The recurring incidents of detentions have led to discussions about due process and constitutional safeguards.
The government has maintained that its security agencies operate within the law during investigations into matters of national security. The Minister for Security is expected to provide a comprehensive statement addressing concerns about missing persons and ongoing investigations.
Margaret Etilu recently secured the Amuria District Woman MP seat, succeeding three-term legislator Susan Amero.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)